Hebron Breathes Again: Palestinians Return Home After Israel Ends 10-Day Siege
Palestinian families are returning to their homes, businesses, and schools in Hebron after Israeli forces withdrew from the entire city in the southern occupied West Bank, ending a 10-day military siege. The city’s governor, Khaled Dudin, announced on Monday that the Israeli army had pulled out, and Palestinian security forces have taken full control of the area. Dudin added that families forced to leave their homes could now return, and that relevant authorities and Palestinian security forces were monitoring the situation to ensure residents could return safely.
The siege, which began after an October 23 shooting attack allegedly carried out by two Palestinians that killed two Israeli soldiers and wounded three others, left deep scars on the city. The two suspects were killed at the scene. According to Dudin, the military operation resulted in the demolition of 15 homes and other structures and the closure of 327 commercial shops, causing major damage to economic activity and the city’s infrastructure. Despite the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the two neighborhoods and other parts of Hebron, movement restrictions remained at the entrances of the city, he said, underscoring that challenges persist even as the immediate siege has ended.
For Palestinians in Hebron, the return is being celebrated as a major milestone. They say it’s as important as the announcement of a ceasefire, reflecting the relief and significance of being able to go back to their daily lives after days of displacement and uncertainty. The reopening of schools and shops, and the ability to move freely within the city, marks a step toward normalcy, though the destruction of homes and businesses will require significant recovery efforts.
The Israeli crackdown and subsequent withdrawal highlight the fragile situation in the occupied West Bank, where military operations can quickly upend civilian life. While the end of the siege brings a measure of relief, the remaining movement restrictions and the scale of the damage serve as reminders of the ongoing tensions and the long road to rebuilding. As Palestinian security forces work to maintain order and facilitate returns, the resilience of Hebron’s residents shines through as they begin to pick up the pieces and restore their community.
Shimanta Das 
